16-Mile Whitewater Rafting and Overnight Camping Trip

The 16-Mile Whitewater Trips through the Snake River Canyon provide a wild to mild adventure for people of all ages. This is a Class II/III whitewater. Overnight camping, breakfast and dinner are included.

This tour departs Jackson Hole in late afternoon for the 8 mile scenic section of the upper Snake River Canyon. Drifting lazily in the late afternoon sun, you'll normally find shorts and t-shirts appropriate. You will arrive at Pine Creek Canyon with several hours of daylight remaining, time to get settled and enjoy a leisurely dinner with time around the campfire. The rustic stream side tent cabins have single beds, snugly fitted with warm sleeping bags and fresh sheet liners and pillow cases, assuring a comfortable night's sleep.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, you will return to the river and put aboard your cameras, binoculars and other personal gear you'll want to protect from getting wet. There will be 8 miles of exciting canyon whitewater are waiting for you, with a midday return to Jackson.

All trip times are subject to seasonal changes in water flow.

Brief periods of high water in mid-June may elevate the minimum age and suggest more careful screening of all participants. At normal water levels from about the third week in June throughout the rest of the summer, the minimum whitewater age for children is usually 6 years, or approximately 45 pounds, however an extended period of high water may dictate the elevation of minimum ages upwards to 9, 10, or 12 years of age through June, or even into early July following winters of unusually heavy snowfall.

For all trips, we provide round-trip transportation from our meeting place in Jackson, protective outerwear (parkas and overpants), and life preservers, which must be worn at all times while on the water. For the colder water temperatures of early summer, and for rainy, cloudy, or windy days throughout the summer, wetsuits, wetboots and fleece are available on a rental basis, and may add significantly to your comfort. Under certain high water conditions, they may be required for children.

This tour travels Class II, and III rapids in an 18-foot self-bailing paddle raft. Kitchen and dining areas are sheltered from the rain, and the tent cabins are very snug.

More on Your Overnight Adventure

Even in summer, evenings and early mornings are frequently cool in the mountains and on the river. We recommend that you bring a warm jacket, sweater/windbreaker, or sweat suit, so that you can layer. On the late afternoon float to Pine Creek Canyon, the river is sometimes swift, but not turbulent, and you're not likely to get wet. In fact, shorts and light upper body wear may be just right. Protective rainpants and parkas are supplied for everyone, but you probably won't need them until we gear up for the whitewater section next morning, where they won't keep you entirely dry, but will add an extra measure of warmth if the weather is overcast, windy, or cool. If you do not have small personal packs or duffle bags at your disposal, you may find it helpful to organize your extra clothing and personal toiletries in plastic grocery bags, which can easily be packed in our large waterproof gearbags. Upon arrival at the campsite, you will find fresh sheet liners and pillow cases for the sleeping bags, which are resting on thick, canvas covered foam mattresses in the tent cabins. Hand towels and wash clothes will also be available, and small quantities of warm water can be obtained from the kitchen next morning for your personal face bath. Sorry, there are no hot showers, but more complete water service awaits you on the river right after breakfast! Shortly after our morning return to the river, we'll stop briefly to rendezvous with our bus, providing opportunity for stowing binoculars, cameras, and other personal gear aboard the bus before we begin the 8 mile whitewater section of the canyon. The bus, with all your personal gear aboard, will meet you at whitewater landing, and be ready for your return ride to Jackson.

Dinner menu is steak (or chicken by advance request), green salad, dutch oven beans, garlic bread, corn on the cob, and strawberry shortcake. Dinner beverages include ice tea, lemonade, coffee, and hot chocolate in generous supply. If you'd like pop, beer, wine, or other alcoholic potables for evening consumption, please bring them with you to our trip meeting place in Jackson. A cooler with ice will be available to keep them cool on the float to camp. PLEASE, NO GUNS, PETS, OR RADIOS!

Breakfast menu includes juice, fruit, sausage, scrambled eggs, wild rice pancakes, coffee, tea and hot cocoa.

What to Bring:

Evenings are cool in the mountains, and you'll be glad you brought some long pants and a warm sweater or jacket, plus your personal toiletries and whatever you prefer to sleep in. Layers are nice for the evening and early morning at camp. After breakfast, the day warms up quickly and it is comfortable to change into casual clothing that will dry quickly for the whitewater section. Comfortable, soft-soled shoes are most suitable. For the whitewater, wear clothing that you won't mind getting wet from spray and splashing waves. The synthetic fabrics available such as nylon shorts and fleece are perfect. Shoes are required and will get wet. Please no flip-flops. You will have an opportunity to place overnight gear, extra clothing, cameras, etc. aboard the bus prior to the whitewater trip. Sunglasses or prescription eyewear require restraints. Cameras (still and video), binoculars, and personal items may be taken on the first 8 miles of scenic floating. Any item subject to damage by water may only be taken on the whitewater section at your own risk.

Waiver Required:

Before going on any river trip, each guest must read, understand, and sign our Liability Waiver. Parents or legal guardians must sign for any children.

About Your Rafting Company

Why should I choose this Company?

From the mid-1950's, our river trips have established a standard of excellence widely respected within the outfitting industry providing safe, exciting river adventure for more than one million clients, on river excursions of both scenic and whitewater character. Our guides are seasoned river veterans, and their knowledge of the Snake and Salmon River country, its wildlife, and history will add to your enjoyment and enhance your time on the river. Your safety is their highest priority! No outdoor activity, however is without some inherent risk, and you as a participant must acknowledge, and in substantial measure, accept that risk. All adult participants, and parents or guardians or minor participants under the age of 18, must sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form approved by the Forest Service, and required by our insurance carrier. We are an Authorized Permittee of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Is previous experience required?

No. We take many people who have never rafted before on our trips. The keys to a successful trip include the desire to be on a challenging trip and the ability to follow the directions of your guide.

Is rafting safe?

Whitewater rafting is an outdoor adventure sport with an element of inherent risk, and it is possible to be injured. Is it dangerous? No, but no reputable outfitter should tell you it is absolutely safe. The uncontrolled and sometimes unpredictable elements of a naturally flowing river are part of the thrill of whitewater rafting. The water levels and difficulty of the rapids are factors but, statistically, you are much more likely to be injured playing basketball or skiing. An experienced outfitter familiar with the varying conditions likely to be encountered can greatly minimize the risks involved. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs before or during a trip is both illegal and forbidden. Anyone under the influence will be removed from a trip without refund.

What if it rains?

Trips go rain or shine. Generally passing showers will not preclude your enjoyment of a whitewater river trip. Rarely, however, strong winds combined with unseasonably cold temperatures may require our canceling or rescheduling of a trip. Though you may call us for discussion of weather prospects about an hour before trip departure time, in mountain country weather prognostications remote in time or distance from the planned event are usually unreliable. Please meet us at the appointed time and place, and trust us not to intentionally inflict an unpleasant experience upon you.

How many people fit in the raft?

Twelve people per 18-foot self-bailing paddle raft.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. Your PDF (personal floatation device, or life jacket) is US Coast Guard approved and is designed to keep you afloat should you find yourself out of the raft.

Will I get wet?

Yes, on the whitewater section.

Can we bring snacks?

Guests are welcome to bring snacks on the bus. Water is available on the bus.

What about valuables?

Guests should NOT bring valuables.

What about medical conditions?

Use your common sense or that of your physician. Rafting is not recommended for persons with serious medical conditions such as heart problems, serious respiratory ailments, obesity, or osteoporosis. We are able to accommodate most handicapped persons, with adequate advance notice. If you have specific concerns please let us know and our office staff will be glad to help you find a trip suitable for you. Failure to disclose serious conditions can result in injury or death. Bring any required medications with you and your guide will safely store them for you during your trip.

Is tipping expected?

Tips are accepted and appreciated, but not expected or required. Our guides are adequately compensated, but the difference between a good river trip and a great river trip is frequently the guide. If you are inclined to tip, a good reference is how you would tip in a restaurant.

River Rapid Class Rating System:

Class I -- Easy - Water with riffles and small waves and few obstructions that are easily missed.

Class II -- Novice - Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels. Some maneuvering required. Rocks and medium waves are easily missed.

Class III -- Intermediate - Rapids with moderate, irregular waves that are difficult to avoid with tight passages, strong eddies and currents.

Class IV -- Advanced - Intense, predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling, with some unavoidable waves and tight passages.

Class V -- Expert - Extremely long or very violent rapids. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and tight chutes with complex routes.

Important Information

This tour does not include hotel pick-up. Child ages applies to children ages 6 to 12; no one allowed under the age of 6 during low water season and 10 during early season high water; guests must weigh at least 45 pounds. Ages of children must be noted in the Comments field on the order form. Optional chicken dinner entree must be noted in the Comments field on the order form. 48-hour cancellation notice required. Price includes all taxes and fees. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-315-7855.